Srinagar, October 13, 2025 – The Election Commission of India has officially launched the nomination process for the much-anticipated by-elections in the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies, injecting fresh momentum into Jammu & Kashmir’s evolving political landscape just a year after the landmark 2024 polls.In a move that underscores the poll body’s commitment to timely democratic renewal, the ECI issued separate notifications today for the two vacant seats, marking the formal start of the electoral sprint. Aspiring candidates have until October 20 to submit their nomination papers, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest that could reshape alliances and test the mettle of major parties in the region.Scrutiny of nominations is slated for October 22, with the final window for withdrawals closing on October 24. Polling day is fixed for November 11, followed by vote counting on November 14 – a schedule synchronized with the Bihar Assembly elections to optimize resources and ensure nationwide electoral efficiency. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has already been enforced in the affected districts of Budgam and Jammu, mandating strict adherence to fair play as parties gear up their campaigns.
The Budgam vacancy emerged on October 21, 2024, when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, riding a wave of dual victories in the 2024 Assembly elections, opted to retain his Ganderbal stronghold, relinquishing the seat he had clinched with a commanding margin of over 18,000 votes against PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi. Meanwhile, Nagrota’s seat turned vacant following the untimely demise of BJP stalwart Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024 – a poignant loss for the party, as Rana had scripted history with a staggering 30,472-vote triumph in the previous polls, outpacing National Conference’s Joginder Singh.Political circles are abuzz with speculation over potential nominees and battle lines.
The National Conference (NC), buoyed by its recent dominance, is yet to finalize its Budgam contender but is reportedly eyeing a robust defense against challengers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and emerging coalitions like the Peoples Alliance for Change. In Nagrota, the BJP’s iron grip – reinforced by Rana’s legacy – positions it as the frontrunner, though the NC-Congress alliance, strengthened by mutual Rajya Sabha support needs, could mount a formidable counter. The PDP and smaller outfits, including the Apni Party, have welcomed the schedule, signaling a multi-cornered fray that promises to spotlight issues like development, youth employment, and regional autonomy.Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during the October 6 announcement, emphasized the ECI’s deployment of over 470 observers – including IAS, IPS, and IRS officers – to safeguard transparency, with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) ensuring verifiable integrity at every booth. Electoral rolls, finalized after a Special Summary Revision with a qualifying date of April 1, 2025, will undergo continuous updates until nomination deadlines, incorporating fresh voter applications to reflect the electorate’s current pulse.As J&K’s assembly, now numbering 85 effective members post-vacancies, navigates this by-poll chapter, stakeholders from across the spectrum have hailed the ECI’s proactive timeline.
“These elections aren’t just about filling seats; they’re a referendum on our governance and vision for a stable, prosperous Jammu & Kashmir,” remarked an NC spokesperson, echoing sentiments from BJP and PDP leaders who view the polls as a democratic imperative delayed but not denied.With the Himalayan autumn casting a golden hue over campaign trails, Budgam and Nagrota stand poised to echo the voices of over 1.5 lakh voters each, potentially tipping the scales in the 90-seat house and influencing broader national narratives. As nominations roll in, the spotlight intensifies on this democratic duet, where legacy meets legacy in the heart of the Union Territory.
